BACKGROUNDER

April, 2000

The Federal Republic of Germany requests the extradition of Lothar Ebke in relation to allegations that between 1985 and 1993 he was a member of the Revolutionary Cells and that he participated in a bombing (1987) and an attempted bombing (1991) against buildings.

May 18, 2000

Extradition proceedings lead to the arrest of Mr. Ebke in Yellowknife. He spends 32 days in custody, before being released on strict bail conditions. The Canadian Crown acting on behalf of the government of Germany is opposing bail. Mr. Ebke's release is greatly due to the strong support he receives from the local community on strict bail conditions.

December, 2000

The extradition hearing begins in the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories before Judge John Vertes. The hearing is adjourned until May, 2000.

February, 2000

Judge Vertes rules that the Extradition Act does not contravene the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

May, 2000

The extradition hearing concludes and Judge Vertes reserves his decision.

September 6, 2000

Judge Vertes commits Mr. Ebke for extradition as sought by the Federal Republic of Germany. According to the Extradition Act this committal order means that Mr. Ebke is committed into custody. The Judge also rules that the search on May 18, 2000 at Mr. Ebke's home was illegal and orders the return of all seized belongings.

September 20, 2000

After Mr. Ebke's lawyer files an appeal against this committal order, Mr. Ebke is released on the same strict bail conditions, again backed by strong support from the Yellowknife community.

July 31, 2002

Minister of Justice orders Mr. Ebke to surrender for extradition as sought by the Federal Republic of Germany.

August, 2002

Mr. Ebke's lawyer files a Notice of Application for Juridical Review of the Minister of Justice' surrender decision

January 21, 2003

The appeals against the Judge's committal order and the Minister's decision to surrender are heard in the Appeal Court of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.

Until day, Mr. Ebke has not been charged with any criminal offence, neither in Germany nor in Canada.